The Western Illinois Museum, in partnership with Macomb’s Shared Community Action Group, invites the public to commemorate the birthday of civil rights leader Dr. Reverend C.T. Vivian with a special afternoon of reflection, learning, and community on Sunday, July 20th, beginning at 1:30 pm. Born on July 30, 1924, and raised in Macomb, Vivian was a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement and devoted his life to the pursuit of justice through nonviolent activism. To honor his legacy, the Museum will host a short program at 1:30 pm that will include a video compilation of oral history interviews with Vivian’s daughters JoAnne Walker and Denise Morse, offering intimate insights into his life and values. Guests will also enjoy birthday cake, ice cream, and time to socialize. At 3:00 pm, the critically acclaimed PBS documentary Freedom Riders (2010) will be screened. This powerful film tells the story of the courageous interracial group of activists who, in 1961, challenged segregation in the Deep South by riding interstate buses. Among those riders was a young C.T. Vivian, who was arrested in Jackson, Mississippi, for his involvement. The film runs 120 minutes and is not rated. Following the screening, attendees are invited to stay for a pizza dinner and take part in an informal conversation about the film’s powerful and thought-provoking stories. A suggested donation of $5 at the door helps support the Museum’s programs.
C.T. Vivian’s work as part of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. made him a leading voice for nonviolence. His activism began in Nashville under the mentorship of James Lawson, who taught strategies of nonviolent resistance inspired by Gandhi. Vivian would go on to participate in sit-ins, Freedom Rides, and major national campaigns for civil rights. The Freedom Riders began their journey on May 4, 1961, with just 13 riders testing Supreme Court rulings against segregation in interstate travel. Over the next five months, more than 400 Black and white Americans joined the movement. Key leaders included John Lewis, Diane Nash, James Farmer, and C.T. Vivian. Their bravery and commitment to nonviolence ultimately led to federal action: on September 22, 1961, the Interstate Commerce Commission banned segregation in all interstate bus facilities, with enforcement beginning on November 1, 1961.This event is part of the Museum’s ongoing series, A Throughline in Black History, which explores pivotal figures and turning points in African American history through film, storytelling, and scholarship. The series aims to foster community dialogue around themes of race, resistance, and resilience. Event Schedule – Sunday, July 20, 2025
1:30 pm – Short program with oral history viewing, cake and ice cream3:00 pm – Screening of Freedom Riders (120 min, not rated)
Following the film – Pizza dinner and information discussion. The Western Illinois Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating and preserving the history, culture, and traditions of McDonough County. Located in a historic building just one block south of Macomb’s Courthouse Square at 201 S. Lafayette Street, the Museum hosts exhibits, lectures, music, and other events that bring the community together. Free parking is available, and the building is fully accessible. For more information, please call 309-837-2750, text 309-837-2613, or email info@wimuseum.org. A full schedule of events is available at wimuseum.org and on social media @wimuseum.About the Shared Community Action Group
The Shared Community Action (SCA) Group is composed of leaders of civic and religious organizations who first came together as the Moving Macomb Forward Committee. The SCA's goal is to strengthen long-term dialogue and cooperation among the diverse members of the Macomb community. It seeks to develop ways individuals and organizations can contribute to an equitable, just, healthy, and strong community, and to confront barriers that keep community members apart and undermine community-building. The SCA is committed to working with everyone in Macomb who supports its goals, recognizes the human dignity of each of its residents and visitors, and wants to take up the challenge of an ever-deepening dedication to justice and equity.
